Initial antibiotic

Timely use of antibiotics can improve the treatment of pneumonia caused by bacteria.

Why this is important:

Antibiotics are used to treat adults with pneumonia caused by bacteria. Early treatment with antibiotics can cure bacterial pneumonia and reduce the possibility of complications.

The chart above indicates the percentage of patients who were given their first dose of antibiotics within four hours of arrival at the hospital. Patients who get pneumonia during their stay at the hospital are not counted in this measure.